Basit Zargar/Srinagar

It was after 34 years that Muharram processions in Srinagar were taken out from Abiguzar to Dalgate - the traditional route - after the Jammu and Kashmir administration revoked a 1989 ban on such processions in view of terrorism and fear of attacks on the mourners.

Hundreds of Shia mourners hit the Srinagar roads to take out the 8th Muharram procession.

Amid praises for Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, and thumping chests and sang praises for Imam Hussain, the mourners took out a procession from the Guru Bazar area of the city, passed through Budshah Chowk, M A Road, and culminated at the Dalgate peacefully.

A woman and her child

The administration has fixed 6 am to 8 am for the processions to pass through the traditional routes. Shia leaders and clerics have welcomed the move and hailed the administration for this historic decision.

Thousands of mourners from different parts of Kashmir walked peacefully through the streets of Srinagar they were beating their chests, some holding tall flags (Alams) of Hazrat Imam Hussain and chanting praises and Nouhas in favour of Prophet Muhammad’s grandsons.

“We are grateful to the LG administration for allowing us to take out a procession after such a long gap. This is indeed a pleasure and a great moment for us,” said a mourner Altaf Hussain.

Police serving refreshments to mourners

He said Muharram sends a reminder to every Muslim to follow in the footsteps of Hazrat Imam Hussain.

Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) said a security review meeting was held in Srinagar on Wednesday in which the decision to revoke the ban on the Ashura procession was taken.

“Officers and men were deployed on roads at 2 am to ensure peaceful conduct of the procession,” he said.

Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Muhammad Aijaz Asad who was present on the route said, “I would say this is one of the dividends of peace.”

Security Forces keeping an eye on the mischief mongers

He said mourners have cooperated with the administration.

Srinagar Mayor Junaid Azim Mattoo said that it’s a display of faith after a long time on the streets of Srinagar. He thanked the LG administration for the historic decision. “Mourners are walking peacefully and I hope restrictions will be lifted on Ashura the 10th Muharram,” he said.